£78,000 goes to Sports, Arts, Kids and more!

Thirty-three charities have benefited in the latest payout from Central England Co-operative’s Community Dividend Fund. In total over £78,000 has been distributed to a diverse range of projects.

The largest single amount given each quarter is £5,000. Geddington Brickyard Garden in Northamptonshire received the maximum sum which will be used to transform a derelict site that was once a brickmaking area into an open raised area and wildflower garden. As well as transformational projects such as this, more practical help is sometimes needed to improve basic facilities. £5,000 each went to Thurnby Lodge Youth and Community Association, Leicester for redecoration, St Martins Church Desford, Leicester for a new boiler and Paston Farm Community Foundation, Peterborough for refurbishment of toilets.

Sporting organisations also enjoyed extra funding support including Leicester Fencing Club, which received £2,000 for fencing equipment and Chesterfield Ladies Football Club which was awarded £880 for new clothing.

A new mobile hoist, bean bags and wooden instruments can now be bought by The Phoenix Children’s Foundation in Leicester. The charity raises funds to provide disabled, special needs and terminally ill children with specialist equipment and therapeutic activities.

A Rugeley playgroup, Ridware Rascals, received £400 from the Fund to buy dressing up costumes, toys, craft supplies and essentials such as a first aid kit.

New Cut Arts is an arts organisation in Halesworth, Suffolk which offers music, theatre, comedy workshops and art exhibitions. We have provided £2,000 to refurbish the café kitchen at the centre.

Wirksworth Community Theatre was amongst other arts organisations to receive support. They received almost £4,000 to get wireless communications equipment.

As a member, you can apply or nominate projects for grants of between £100 and £5,000. We consider applications every three months. The next round of applications closes on 29 April 2016. You can apply online and find more information on the projects we support through MyCoop Community website.

About The Author: Rob Smyth

Public relations

Promoting the great work of Central England Co-operative across all forms of media.